Thinking about getting veneers? Be sure to check out the most common questions people have about them to be sure you’re making the right choice!
1. What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that is attached to the front surface of your natural teeth. They are a quick way to help someone greatly improve the look of their smile.
2. Why Do People Get Them?
Veneers are used to address a variety of dental cosmetic issues such as:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Severe staining
- Tooth chips or cracks
- Misshapen or irregularly-sized teeth
- Tooth gaps
3. Do I Need to Shave Down My Teeth?
Not exactly. Veneers will require shaving a bit of the tooth’s enamel in order to create a rough texture, this will allow the veneers to properly bond with your teeth and stay in place.
4. How Long Does It Take?
You can get your new veneers in roughly two appointments, provided you don’t have any other dental health issues that need to be addressed first. The first visit is the consultation where you’ll first be cleared for veneers and get your mouth scanned for the prosthetic.
And the second one involves prepping the teeth and attaching the veneers.
5. Do They Hurt?
Getting veneers doesn't hurt. The dentist will numb your mouth so you don’t feel any discomfort during the teeth prepping portion. Because it’s a minimally-invasive procedure, most patients report no pain or discomfort after getting their veneers.
6. How Do I Take Care of Them?
You need to care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth:
- Brushing and flossing
- Reducing highly-standing food consumption
- Cleansing the mouth to remove food particles
- Avoid biting on hard objects or hard foods
- Seeing the dentist routinely for a professional cleaning and check-up
7. Are They Permanent?
Yes, veneers are 100% permanent. Since enamel doesn’t grow back, should something happen to your first pair of veneers, you will need to change them.
However, veneers can last for a very long time, especially with the right maintenance. Some patients can even enjoy their new smile for 15-20 years.
8. Are They Purely Cosmetic?
The most common reasons for getting veneers are cosmetic in nature. They can be used to cover cracks in teeth, tooth discoloration, or misalignments. We recommend making sure your oral health needs are addressed before getting veneers.
Are Veneers Right for You? We Can Help you Find Out!
Dr. Bonner Morren is happy to help you restore the look of your teeth with veneers or other procedures you need for a healthy smile.
Book a consultation at Austin Dental Company today to get started!